Cochabamba Water War

Aguastunari

Cochabamba Water War

The Cochabamba Water War was a series of protests that took place in Cochabamba, Bolivia, beginning in January 2000 and culminating in April of the same year. The protests were directed against the privatization of the city's municipal water supply company, which had led to drastic increases in water prices. The event is significant in the history of Bolivia and is often cited as a successful example of public mobilization to reclaim control over natural resources.

Background

In the late 1990s, the Bolivian government, under pressure from international financial institutions such as the World Bank, decided to privatize the water supply of Cochabamba. The government argued that privatization would bring investment and improve water distribution. In September 1999, a consortium led by the multinational corporation Bechtel took control of SEMAPA, Cochabamba's municipal water supply company, under a contract that granted it exclusive rights to distribute water in the region.

Causes of the Conflict

The privatization led to an immediate and sharp increase in water prices, with some households experiencing a rise of over 200% in their water bills. This price hike was devastating for many residents of Cochabamba, where the average income was among the lowest in the country. The contract also included provisions that made it illegal for individuals to collect rainwater without a permit, further exacerbating the public's outrage.

The Protests

The protests were initially led by a coalition of farmers, factory workers, and middle-class citizens, and were coordinated by a local organization, the Coordinadora de Defensa del Agua y de la Vida (Coalition in Defense of Water and Life). The movement quickly gained momentum, with road blockades and mass demonstrations becoming a daily occurrence in Cochabamba.

The government's response to the protests was to declare a state of emergency, deploying police and military forces to Cochabamba. Clashes between security forces and protesters resulted in several deaths and hundreds of injuries, but the protests continued to grow in size and intensity.

Resolution

The turning point came in April 2000, when the government agreed to negotiate with the protesters. The contract with Bechtel was eventually annulled, and the control of SEMAPA was returned to the city's inhabitants. The "Water War" ended with a significant victory for the protesters, and it has since been celebrated as a landmark event in the struggle against the privatization of natural resources.

Aftermath and Impact

The Cochabamba Water War had a profound impact on Bolivia and on international debates about water privatization. It demonstrated the power of grassroots mobilization and became a symbol of resistance against neoliberal policies. The event also played a role in the rise of Evo Morales, who would become Bolivia's president in 2006, and his Movement for Socialism party.

In the years following the Water War, Bolivia saw a shift towards more inclusive and participatory forms of governance, including the nationalization of key industries and resources. The Cochabamba Water War remains a pivotal moment in the global movement for water justice and has inspired similar protests in other countries.

See Also

• Water privatization
• Bolivian gas conflict
• Evo Morales
• World Bank